Creative Force: Gilbert Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez, Mario Hernandez
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
A letter to Gilbert, Jaime and Mario Hernandez: Okay, I admit it you have me hooked. After reading Love and Rockets #3, the stories are completely compelling. The only thing I found disturbing and somewhat depressing is 'Julio's Day'. Handsome Julio grows up and a young lass has a crush on him. Julio joins the Army and off to WWII he goes. The young girl hears of his return and rushes to his house to see Julio lying down with loss of all limbs. He's now a torso with a head. The harsh realities of war. No wonder they say war is hell! Knowing we have our boys in Afghanistan, the story hit a chord.
I really enjoyed the first story as Maggie and Vivian are complaining about the heat and knowing its going to be a long hot Summer. Vivian struts around looking sexy with very few clothes on and then her girlfriend Maggie is worried about jumping into the pool, because she thinks she looks fat. Then what's with Izzy? Izzy is a weirdo, as she stands in the doorway most of the whole day naked. Questions arise if Maggie has any lesbian desires, but it doesn't look that way. Vivian is quite amorous, as she becomes intimate with Reno so quickly. Reno appears to be the tough guy and it was interesting on how they break into Sid's home so easily and then walk around the house to admire his taste in French culture. Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral of Notre Dame incorporated into Sid's home? Sid must be a French wannabe. Anyway, this story really has me hooked, I really want to know more about the voracious Vivian and the chunky, but cute Maggie. Looking forward to the follow-up on their misadventures.
'Me for the Unknown' was a tad harsh as a mother is worrying about her son being lost in the jungle. 'The High Soft Lisp' was another catch-my-fancy story as I am compelled to watch these guys drool over some sensuous Catholic girls. Catholic girls who love Cholo lowrider car shows. These once innocent Catholic girls easily transformed into "Lowrider Magazine" chicks. The Catholic girl with the lisp received some positive input on her way of speech, as she is told that her lisp sounds like an angel's whisper.
Loved the "Day of the Dead" (Dia de los Muertos) cover. I wonder if any of your future stories will discuss Mexican traditions like Day of the Dead or even maybe cover the Santeria religion. Even though Santeria has its roots in the Caribbean, there are reports that it's catching on in Mexico. Also, I have an uncle named Jose who was a Zootsuiter back in the day, I like to see your take on the Zootsuiter years. Since your stories have a foundation of truth and touch upon the realities of everyday life for the Hispanic culture, it has got my undivided attention! Magnificent stories and I'm sticking around for the long haul! No wonder there is so much hoopla on Love and Rockets!!
